Interim Chief Accountant

Morgan Law; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Chief Accountant for a local authority in South West England. This role demands a qualified accountant with at least 5 years of experience in a local authority, focusing on statutory accounts and audits. The candidate should have strong communication and leadership skills, and be available immediately. The position offers an initial 6-month contract with competitive daily rates and an onsite requirement of 1-2 days weekly.

Qualifications

• 5 years experience as Chief Accountant in a local authority setting.
• Deep knowledge of statutory accounting requirements.
• Immediately available for work.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the annual Statement of Accounts and disclosure notes.
• Provide leadership and oversight to core accounting functions.
• Streamline reconciliation, VAT, and payroll processes.
• Ensure accurate completion of statutory returns.
• Liaise with external auditors and lead the audit process.

Skills

Communication skills

Accounting knowledge (statutory)

Leadership skills

Education

Qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent)

Job description

Interim Chief Accountant

Local Government - South West England

6 month initial contract
£700+ p/d
1-2 days a week on site

About the client

Morgan Law is seeking an interim Chief Accountant for a local authority in the South West of England, reporting to the Deputy S151.

Accountabilities

• Responsible for preparing the annual Statement of Accounts and disclosure notes
• Provide leadership and oversight to the core accounting, systems and capital financing functions to support the effective stewardship of the Council's financial resources
• Streamline the processes for reconciliations, VAT and payroll to ensure the accuracy of the general ledger and analysis of the movement of accounts
• Ensure all statutory returns are completed accurately and timely manner, manage the relationships with auditors at an operational level, managing the audit schedule and raising accounting issues
• Liaise with external auditors and lead the Audit process for various authorities
• Prepare audit working papers including the explanations and supporting working papers for the complex queries
• Lead the development and monitoring of accounts closure processes, including accounting for non-current assets, asset valuations, PFI and leasing

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, or equivalent) (E)
• 5 years experience as Chief Accountant in a local authority setting and a deep knowledge of statutory accounting requirements (E)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Immediately available for work

Campaign Timeline

This is an urgent post and is open until filled.

Equality & Diversity Statement

Morgan Law shall not discriminate unlawfully when deciding which candidate/temporary worker is submitted for a vacancy or assignment, or in any terms of employment or terms of engagement for temporary workers. Morgan Law will ensure that each candidate is assessed only in accordance with the candidate's merits, qualifications and abilities to perform the relevant duties required by the particular vacancy.